The Atlantic Technological University (ATU) intends to apply for planning permission for a new apprenticeship facility in Letterkenny.

The proposed development at Drumnahoagh will involve the repurposing of an existing workshop off the four-lane Derry Road to form a new 1,223 square metre training area.

Donegal County Council planners are to make a decision on the application by early February, 2025.

The post ATU to develop new apprenticeship facility in Letterkenny appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Main pic: Young Donegal jockey, Patrick McGettigan.

Two young Donegal jockeys recorded big wins yesterday in Dundalk.

In the 5:55 race, Rathmullan’s Luke McAteer rode the 7/2 ‘Amemri’ to victory for trainer David Marnane.

Later, at 8 o’clock, Ballyare native Patrick McGettigan landed a win on JJ Feane’s ‘Eighty Eight’ as a 6/1 shot.

A double on both Donegal jockeys to win those races yesterday would have given you 30/1.

The post Big wins for young Donegal jockeys in Dundalk  appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Main pic: An architect’s impression of the proposed apartment block at Mountain Top, Letterkenny.

Plans have been submitted for permission to build a four-storey apartment block in Letterkenny.

Brian Brogan is proposing to erect the building, containing 22 apartments and a roof terrace, at Carnamuggagh Lower (Mountain Top).

The proposed development, at the George Boal Roundabout, will also include a lower level car parking, a toddlers play area and a rainwater harvesting system.

Council planners are to make a decision on the application by early February, 2025.

The post Plans submitted for four-storey apartment block in Letterkenny appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Main pic: Gathered at the recent Tipperary Association Dublin event was the Quirke family – Dan, Hazel, Shannon and Kelly.

Almost 300 young people across Donegal have benefited from free cardiac screening this year, thanks to the Dillon Quirke Foundation.

The charity was established following the death of the Tipperary hurler in 2022 to reduce the number of young people dying from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).

A total of 270 screenings were carried out in six clubs in Donegal. The clubs were Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon (two screenings), Milford Utd FC, Cloughaneely GAA, Gaoth Dobhair GAA Club and Glenswilly GAA Club.

The foundation announced last week that 10,128 cardiac screenings have been conducted in every county in Ireland in partnership with 275 sports clubs, including GAA, soccer, rugby, boxing and performing arts.

The charity was set up in honour of Dillon Quirke who collapsed and died during a hurling match at Semple Stadium in August 2022. On average, 100 young people in Ireland die each year from SADS, a rate much higher than that reported in other EU countries. In an effort to reduce this number, the Foundation aims to promote awareness of the importance of cardiac screening in preventing SADs and to provide cardiac screening for young people nationwide. The screenings are carried out by Advanced Medical Services (AMS), a provider of onsite medical services.

Among those who have been assessed by the Foundation’s screening provider this year, 243 people have been advised to undergo follow-up cardiology tests post-screening. This makes up 2.46% of those who have been screened by the Foundation to date. The follow-up testing can include echocardiograms, cardiac electrophysiologist reviews, cardiology reviews and stress tests. The effective screenings allow for early detection of potentially life-threatening conditions, which has led to timely interventions, including surgeries, that may have saved lives.

The Foundation has ambitious plans for 2025 with a focus on raising vital funds to allow them to continue screening young athletes in Donegal and across the country.  

Commenting on the Foundation’s first year in operation, Dan Quirke, founder, said: “At the start of 2024, the Foundation ambitiously set a goal of screening 5,000 individuals within the year. We are delighted to have surpassed this target by more than double. We know these screenings are helping to save lives. They can detect cardiac abnormalities and those affected can receive appropriate medical treatment and support at an early stage.

“The Foundation would like to sincerely thank those in Donegal who have attended screenings, the people who have trusted us to screen them and their loved ones, and the sporting organisations and local clubs that have facilitated us in the roll-out of this vital screening programme. Thank you to our supporters and advocates in Donegal who have donated to our cause or organised fundraisers big and small, and to our inaugural corporate partner Abbott who continue to generously support our mission. We could not have reached this milestone without your support.”

To learn more about the Dillon Quirke Foundation or to make a donation, please visit dillonquirkefoundation.com

The post Almost 300 young Donegal athletes receive free cardiac screening appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The family of young Derry woman Rebecca Browne are planning a protest this Friday in their quest for answers regarding her death in Buncrana last year.

Rebecca, 21, was tragically killed when she was hit by a Garda patrol car at Ludden in May 2023.

Last week, the DPP’s decision not to direct a prosecution against any members of An Garda Siochana left Ms Browne’s family devastated.

The family’s solicitor, Conor Moylan, of Madden & Finucane Solicitors, stated that they intend to challenge the decision of the DPP by way of judicial review.

Meanwhile, their call for answers is mounting.

Rebecca’s loved ones are planning a civil protest on Friday evening at 7pm in opposition to the DPP’s decision and to “demand answers, accountability and justice” over what happened on the night of 21st May 2023.

Following last week’s decision, Ms Browne’s family said the DPP should “hang their heads in shame”.

“Two weeks before Christmas and we have just been updated via email there will be no prosecution,” a spokesperson from the family said.

“What is a crime is how our family have been treated, a sin of silence since Rebecca’s death like we don’t exist.”

The post Civil protest in Buncrana to demand answers over death of young Derry woman appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Main pic: Drimarone Parochial House. Image: Google Maps.

Permission is being sought to demolish a historic south Donegal parochial house.

Fr James Sweeney has lodged a planning application to Donegal County Council seeking to raze the derelict house and sheds at Drimarone, Letterbarrow.

The stone two-storey house was built more than 100 years ago.

However, according to planning documents from the priest’s architects, the building is in an ‘extremely poor state’ internally and several areas are ‘in a state of collapse’.

“It is now a very dangerous structure internally, hence the external safety fencing,” they stated. 

“Refurbishment of this building would be prohibitive cost-wise. It would need to be stripped back to the stone and brick walls before restoration,” they added.

“Building a new house providing the same accommodation would be a much more economic option. As we said previously this house has not been occupied for the last 15 years approximately. It is not in a habitable state now.”

Drimarone Church and Parochial House (extreme left) taken between 1922 and 1925 by the then Rev TR Griffith.

The post Plans to raze historic south Donegal parochial house appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Fanad United will mark their 50th Anniversary with a special event at the Silver Tassie Hotel on December 29th.

The famous north Donegal club warmly invites everyone who has been involved with them over the years. This includes players, supporters, contributors, or anyone passionate about local sports who wants to join them for what promises to be a fantastic evening.

The night begins with food served from 7:00 PM, followed by entertainment hosted by Declan Kerr, and music lasting late into the night with DJ Shane Friel.

With the club now proudly fielding a senior team, development team, and ladies’ team, there are bound to be plenty of great stories shared during the celebration.

Tickets are €35 and must be pre-ordered—secure yours today and be part of this memorable occasion! Tickets are available from any committee/club member or directly from The Silver Tassie.

Fanad Utd has also produced a wonderful 1.5 hour documentary which includes rare photos, footage and exclusive interviews.

Watch the film below:

The post Watch: New documentary released to mark Fanad Utd 50th anniversary appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The competition is heating up in the An Clochán Liath Quid Game, and contestant Ronan Mulligan is one of many with great goals in mind!

GAA raffle goals that is!

Ronan, from Co. Down, now living in Dungloe, is raffling off some amazing Gaelic and Hurling mementos for two great causes – Little Blue Heroes and the new sensory room in Scoil Chróine Dungloe.

Ronan and his wife Majella’s son Cian, 13, is an honorary garda in his local area and gets great enjoyment from the Scoil Chróine sensory room.

Ronan’s bumper Christmas draw will be giving away a range of one-of-a-kind prizes including a jersey signed by the Donegal Nicky Rackard All Ireland 2024 winners, Shaun Patton’s signed gloves and also 2024 Ulster champions signed Jersey, plus a football signed by Michael Murphy and team! 

To enter you can click on the link below and just add Donegal in the message of support. Price: €5.00 a ticket or 3 for €10.00: https://www.clubspotevents.com/clganclochanliath/ronan-mulligan-

The draw will take place on 21st December. 

And it will be all to play for on the 28th December as all the brave Quid Game contestants battle it out for their chosen charities to win a massive €10,000 cash prize! Don’t miss the big finale in McCafferty’s Bar Dungloe in the Marquee!

Learn more about the Quid Game on Facebook: Quid Game – CLG An Clochán Liath 

·

The post Little Blue Hero Cian inspires mighty GAA memorabilia draw! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Advertisement

Kelly’s Diner at Mountain Top Letterkenny is your go-to destination for a cosy and festive feast this Christmas.

We’ve crafted a menu brimming with mouth watering Christmas specials, available throughout December!

Delight in Festive Flavors:

Start with our comforting Homemade Soup and Christmas Club Brioche, filled with roast turkey, ham, and stuffing, paired with a bowl of steaming vegetable soup.

Savor the rich, creamy flavours of Prancer’s Peppered Chicken, served with mash, a velvety mushroom and black pepper sauce, and crispy tobacco onions.

For burger lovers, don’t miss The Sleigh Hammer—a 6oz burger with melted brie, streaky bacon, and Ballymaloe cranberry sauce, served alongside garlic potatoes.

Make your reservations now for the perfect Christmas Lunch with your friends/family or co-workers

Highlights: 

• Santa’s Steak Stack: An 8oz steak paired with succulent king prawns, served with garlic potatoes and your choice of pepper, garlic, or Cajun cream sauce.
• Craving something hearty? Dive into Mrs. C’s Carvery, featuring turkey, ham, roasted veggies, and a classic Yorkshire pudding topped with Ballymaloe cranberry sauce.
• Or add a festive twist with Loaded Christmas Fries—a medley of turkey, ham, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.

Don’t Forget Dessert!
Finish your meal with a decadent treat to make your holiday experience even sweeter.

Reserve Your Festive Feast Today! 
Gather your loved ones—whether it’s family, friends, or co-workers—and let Kelly’s Diner host your perfect Christmas lunch or dinner. Book early to secure your spot: 07491 22026.

The Christmas season is all about creating magical memories, and Kelly’s Diner is here to make every moment special. 

The post Taste the magic of Christmas at Kelly’s Diner! appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Fire services are battling a bus fire on the N13 road at Drumkeen tonight (Thursday).

A bus has been totally engulfed in flames at the roadside near the Treantaboy junction.

As of 11pm, the road remains open.

Update to follow.

The post Breaking: Major bus fire on Letterkenny-Stranorlar road appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A motorist was arrested in the Letterkenny area this week after they were found to be almost five times over the legal alcohol limit.

The drunk driver had been involved in a collision when gardaí made the arrest on Wednesday night.

The driver then tested almost 5 times over the legal limit back at the station. The vehicle had no insurance, tax or NCT and it was seized.

“A trip to court will follow,” said a garda spokesperson.

A learner driver was also arrested on Wednesday in the Stranorlar area on suspicion of drug driving after they tested positive for cannabis.

This learner driver was unaccompanied and their vehicle was seized under the Clancy amendment.

“We wish to remind all Learner Permit drivers that they must be accompanied by a qualified driver,” said gardaí.

“Take care on the roads this festive season. Do not take risks on the roads. Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

National Slow Down Day takes place today, 20th December, with gardaí out in force monitoring speeds nationwide.

The Christmas period is one of the busiest on Irish roads. It is also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision.

To date, 167 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads.

The post Drunk driver in Letterkenny crash was almost five times over the limit appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A very windy weekend is on the way for Donegal as the pre-Christmas rush begins.

Met Eireann has issued a status yellow wind warning for Clare, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal throughout Saturday and Sunday due to sustained strong and gusty winds and large coastal waves.

There is a risk of difficult travelling conditions and some disruption for those travelling from elsewhere taking railways and ferry services, particularly if travelling through Northern Ireland where there are further alerts.

People near the coasts are also being urged to stay back and take care.

The warning for Donegal is due to come into effect early on Saturday morning at 3am, and runs until Sunday 22 December at 6pm.

The weather system has not yet been officially named.

The post Weather alert as stormy conditions could impact travel in Donegal appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A man is to stand trial after Gardai in Co Donegal found an assortment of alleged weapons in a car during a routine search.

Gardai opened the boot of the car, being driven by Aaron McNutt in Letterkenny, and found a range of items including a handgun, a pistol, five rifles, a sword and an axe.

The driver of the car, Aaron McNutt, appeared at Letterkenny District Court following the incident.

Having heard an outline of the incident which happened at College Road in Letterkenny July 28, 2023, Judge Eiteain Cunningham previously refused jurisdiction.

Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had reviewed the case and decided McNutt, aged 22, should stand trial at Letterkenny Circuit Court.

McNutt, of Glinsk, Kindrum, is charged with ten charges including that he did without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, have in his possession a realistic imitation firearm.

The charge is contrary to section 9A of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 as inserted by section 40 of the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009.

He is also charged that he did have in his possession a black handgun, such possession not being authorised by a firearms certificate granted under the Firearms Acts 1925 to 1990 and for the time being in force.

This charge is Contrary to Section 2 of the Firearms Act, 1925, as amended by Section 15 of the Firearms Act 1964, and Section 3 of the Firearms Act 1971.

The court heard Gardai stopped a car at College Road in Letterkenny at 3.45am on July 28, 2023 to carry out a routine search under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

When they questioned the driver, McNutt, they found a flick knife in his possession. After carrying out a further search of the vehicle, officers located the large cache of items in the boot.

Sergeant Collins said that McNutt made full admissions when questioned but told gardai that he admitted ownership of the items.

Solicitor Frank Dorrian said he wanted to point out to the court that four of the items recovered were not actual firearms but referred to them as “toys which fire pellets.”

“There was nothing to suggest that they were to be wielded or used,” Mr Dorrian said. “The number was deceptive. The others were deemed to be authentic-looking replicas.”

The case was adjourned until February 17th, 2025 to allow for the service of a book of evidence in the case.

The post Man to stand trial after assortment of ‘firearms’ found in car in Letterkenny appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Sponsored Post

Comhar Creidmheasa Ghaoth Dobhair would like to take this opportunity to wish their members a very Happy Christmas!

Thank you to all our members for their continued support and business, it is a pleasure for us to support and serve our community.

Over the festive season our opening hours are as follows:

The post Nollaig Shona from Comhar Creidmheasa Ghaoth Dobhair appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A group of young Donegal lads have thought of others this Christmas and raised a whopping €680 for a very deserving local charity.

Caolán Gillespie from Ballybofey along with his friends, Lewis Harrold and Jack Blee, presented a cheque for €680 to Stephanie Brady of the Oncology Ward at Letterkenny University Hospital.

The lads raised the money through a range of fundraising measures including selling tickets for hampers at the Balor Theatre Panto nights in Ballybofey.

The boys would like to thank all at the Balor for all their help and supporting the lads.

The family would also like to thank the staff at Deele College in Raphoe for their generosity towards the fundraiser.

Caolán along with Lewis & Jack were inspired to undertake this initiative after seeing the brilliant care and support that the staff have proved to his grandfather, Kevin Floyd who is receiving treatment from the oncology ward over the past few months.

The winners of the Hampers were: Sinead McDermott, Gerry Doherty, Carla McCool (Daimhin & Ava).

Great work lads and we hope you all have a lovely Christmas after that great effort.

The post Stunning Christmas gesture as Ballybofey teens raise €680 for Oncology Ward appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Donegal Motor Club stalwart Francie Devine is this year’s recipient of the Manus Kelly Memorial Cup.

The award, which honours volunteers in memory of Donegal’s ‘King of the Hills’, was presented on Saturday at the Marshal & Motorsport Volunteer Appreciation Awards 2024.

A popular winner, Francie Devine is a dedicated club man who has represented Donegal Motor Club all over Ireland marshalling for well over 30 years and still does having Marshalled at the recent Killarney Historic rally.

Francie Devine is presented The Manus Kelly by Memorial Cup by Stage Commander Caroline Mc Guinness

Francie has done timing, sector marshal stage commander and for many years was chief Marshal along side the late Danny Gormley and Micheal Kelly COC’s at the very popular Knockalla Hillclimb when it was part of the Irish Hillclimb Championship and Hillclimb of the year winners.

Francie also competes as a navigator and during his many years marshalling he has sat with some of Donegal Motor Club’s most entertaining drivers, Ramelton’s Willie Mc Fadden in his G3, John Dolan in his Mk2 Escort, Mark Ewing in his Type R Civic and started the Ulster rally a few times with his Newphew Marty Devine. The results may have been not always been the best but the craic with the crews was always good. He was slightly disappointed that Toyota’s Kalle Rovanpera didn’t give him the shout for Killarney but must have heard he was marshalling instead!

Francie who is always up for the craic and banter was clearly humbled and emotional on receiving his well-deserved award having dedicated a large part of his time to Irish Motorsport and remembering his friend Manus Kelly who he watched coming up the ranks to become a historic 3 in a row Donegal International winner.

The Manus Kelly Memorial Trophy

On the night he thanked all volunteers and competitors he had the pleasure of meeting along the stages of Irish motorsport and the great friends he had made along the way and is still making as he joked he got well looked after from many happy residents along the way. Making friends always made coming back a lot easier for marshals, he said.

Now in its 6th year, the appreciation awards recognise the volunteers in motorsport from all over Ireland who volunteer at every motorsport event. These volunteers are needed each year to allow these events events to happen. The event, which took place at the Armagh Rugby Club, was organised by Stage Commander Caroline Mc Guinness (better known as The Rally Mammy) and other Marshals, for the marshals. 

The post Outstanding volunteer Francie Devine awarded the Manus Kelly Memorial Cup appeared first on Donegal Daily.

A High Court Judge has indicated he wants to see a multi-action case involving homes with defective blocks “brought to a head.”

In a significant development yesterday, Cassidy Brothers Ltd came under increased pressure in its defence in the defective concrete blocks multi-action case of the Commercial Court.

The legal case, brought by Coleman Legal on behalf of Defective Blocks Ireland CLG, has seen repeated failures by Cassidy Brothers to meet previous deadlines with discovery orders.

Two weeks ago, Mr Justice Denis McDonald of the Commercial Court issued a final deadline of Wednesday, December 18, for Cassidy Brothers to comply with the Court’s discovery order.

This ultimatum came after the company had already missed three previous cutoff dates.

Justice McDonald had warned that failure to meet this deadline would result in granting the plaintiff Coleman Legal’s request to issue a motion to strike out Cassidy’s defence.

At yesterday’s hearing, it was confirmed that Cassidy Brothers had not engaged further regarding discovery.

The company’s solicitor, Mr Eamonn Dillon, was absent due to hospitalisation. A newly-appointed barrister for Cassidy’s, Ms Ní Ghormáin, sought another extension from the Court.

Cassidy Brothers has cited difficulties in complying with the discovery requirements due to the voluminous documentation involved. The company previously informed the Court that it had been quoted €100,000 by a specialist company to carry out the process of uploading vast amounts of documentation to a digital format.

Ben Clarke SC, representing Coleman Legal, emphasised the repeated delays and the Court’s previous indications. He requested that the motion to strike out the defence be listed for hearing on January 20, highlighting the importance of bringing the matter to a conclusion.

Mr Justice Mark Sanfey, newly presiding over the High Court case, expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing delays.

He said “This has gone on long enough and it is not terribly satisfactory to be told that the reason why a third party service provider hasn’t observed the orders of the Court is because there is a lot of documentation.” He added, “I think it is time that this was brought to a head.”

Mr. Justice Sanfey confirmed that no further time extensions would be granted and a motion to strike out Cassidy’s defence may be brought before the next hearing of the Commercial Court on January 20th. 

Mr. Justice Sanfey asked that all details of the third-party specialist employed to collate the thousands of documents required for discovery be made available to the Coleman Legal team.

The case continues to be closely watched, with significant implications for the affected homeowners in Donegal.

The next hearing on January 20 is expected to be a critical juncture in this long-running legal battle.

The post High Court Judge says multi-action defective blocks case must be ‘brought to a head’ appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Tributes are being paid from far and wide following the sad passing of Paddy Elliott, of Elliott’s Bar Lettermacaward.

Mr Elliott passed away peacefully at Letterkenny University Hospital.

He is pre-deceased by his loving wife Maureen, who passed in July of this year.

Tributes to Paddy and Maureen remember their hospitality and the wonderful warm welcome they gave to every customer. Paddy was one of life’s true gentlemen who will leave a legacy of wonderful memories for visitors and regulars alike.

Paddy will be sadly missed by his loving family, daughter Mary Rose sons Patrick (Fiona) Daniel ( Deirdre) and Conor, his adored grandchildren Darragh, Maryanne, Hannah Mae, Paddy, Danny and Sonny and his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Details:

His remains will repose in McGlynns Funeral Home Dungloe F94ND68 on Friday 20th Dec from 1pm with Rosary at 8pm followed by a private removal to Lettermacaward.

The house in Lettermacaward is strictly private please. Funeral Mass on Sunday 22 Dec @ 1pm in St Bridget’s Church with interment in New Cemetery Lettermacaward.

The post Leitir mourns passing of popular publican, Paddy Elliott appeared first on Donegal Daily.

The post GAA: Donegal LGFA announce Minor panel for 2025 season appeared first on Donegal Daily.

Today is the final National Slow Down Day of 2024, with gardaí out in force monitoring speeds on the roads across the country.

Nationally, 18 speeding detections were made between 7am and 9am this morning. They include a driver doing 131kph in a 100 kph zone on the N15 Clar road near Keeldrum in Donegal.

This week has seen one fatality on Irish roads and 15 serious collisions that resulted in a number of people receiving serious and life-threatening injuries.

Over the past week, An Garda Síochána carried out over 2,046 checkpoints, both statutory Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) and regular, high-visibility policing checkpoints.

177 people were arrested during this period for driving under the influence of an intoxicant (alcohol and drugs).

Over 2,301 drivers were detected for speeding offences by An Garda Síochána and Mobile Safety Camera Vans by our Road Safety Partners, GoSafe.

Approximately 481 vehicles were seized by Gardaí for a range of offences under the Road Traffic Act, 1961.

In addition, approximately 268 Fixed Charge Notices were issued for the offence of using a mobile phone while driving.

The Christmas period is one of the busiest on Irish roads. It is also one of the periods during which road users are at the highest risk of being involved in a fatal or serious road traffic collision.

To date, 168 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads.

An Garda Síochána is appealing to all those that will be taking to the roads over the Christmas period to slow down, take extra care and to give your driving your full attention.

The post Speeding driver outside Donegal Town among early detections on Slow Down Day appeared first on Donegal Daily.